That was after Benitez (right), who tried to sign him when he was in charge at Liverpool, had enquired. Cattermole’s long-term future remains uncertain after Black Cats boss Gus Poyet returned to former club Brighton to capture £3m midfielder Liam Bridcutt, 24.

Steve Bruce took Cattermole to Wearside from Wigan for £6m four-and-a-half years ago and made him skipper.